Dr. Jerob Leaper, BVSc, Hospital Director
In 2002 I received my B.S. in Biology from U.C. Irvine. During school, while working as a kennel attendant at a veterinary clinic, I met my wife Teresa. Following completion of school I worked as a laboratory technician in the endocrinology department for Quest Diagnostics for almost 2 years. I married Teresa in the summer of 2003, and whilst on our honeymoon, we fell in love with New Zealand and I made the life changing decision to move there and apply to become a Veterinarian. I was accepted into the AVMA accredited program at Massey University, in Palmerston North. I graduated in December 2008 and moved back to California to begin my career.
I started at Groveway Veterinary Hospital in Castro Valley, CA working as a full time associate veterinarian. Then in April 2012, along with a fellow veterinarian, we purchased Groveway Veterinary Hospital. For the next three years, I worked as the Clinical Director, managing upwards of 20 staff and dictating clinical/medical policy. In May of 2015 I made the difficult decision to leave California behind and make the jump to Kihei. It is always hard to leave behind a successful practice and many friends and colleagues worked with and met along the way. I just felt that Maui provided a better place to raise my two young daughters.
I currently live in Kihei with Teresa, my daughters Cailin and Amelia and our four dogs (German shorthaired pointer cross, a black Labrador and mastiff cross, an Anatolian/Great Pyrenees cross and a French Bulldog) and our four cats (1 Orange tabby cross, 1 British Blue cross, 1 Persian cross and 1 Tripod Tabby). In my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. Recently I have rekindled my passion for surfing, hiking and all the great outdoor activities that Maui has to offer. I am honored to have the blessing of Dr. Roger Kehler and his surviving family to carry on the rich history of Kihei Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Jenny Li Hellsen, Veterinarian
Aloha, I have been with KVC since 2000. I was fortunate enough to have spent many years working beside our founder Dr. Roger Kehler. Although my education in Massachusetts provided me with her training and certification in traditional western medicine, I have dedicated my career to furthering my education and specialize in holistic treatment alternatives such as acupuncture, herbal medicine therapies and cold laser treatment. I strive to find the balance between traditional medicine and complementary holistic alternatives to create the best treatment plan for your pets health.
I live here on Maui with my husband Andy and three amazing children. I have two dogs (Sputnik and Aboo) four cats (Tabitha, Baby D, Tootsie and Emmet) and a beloved tortoise (Nui). Mahalo for trusting our team with your pets wellbeing.
Dr. Janet Ladyga, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Janet Ladyga grew up on a small farm in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she was active in 4-H, theater/speech and animal science. She attended Colorado State University for her undergraduate and her veterinary medicine doctorate degrees and worked as an assistant/technician at a veterinary clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. She returned to Steamboat Springs to practice large and small animal medicine, and met her husband Lee while working there. They relocated to Bend, Oregon and enjoyed the high desert lifestyle for fifteen years, while she practiced small animal/companion veterinary medicine and surgery. Dr. Ladyga and Lee became Maui residents in 2018 and are so grateful to consider this island home. Dr. Ladyga enjoys horseback riding, snorkeling and playing with her two miniature Dachshunds when she is not at work. She is so happy to be a part of the exceptional team at Kihei Veterinary Clinic where patients and their owners are part of our ohana!
Jessica Blaney, Director of Hospital Operations
Aloha, I am originally from Palmer, Alaska and moved to Maui about 4 years ago. I grew up in a very small town where everyone looked out for one another so I felt right at home here on Maui with our very similar cultures and lifestyle. I started my introduction into the field of veterinary medicine, working after school, for our local veterinary hospital at 16 years old and never looked back. I have worked in veterinary medicine for over 15 years now and have loved every second of it. I moved to Maui to work with Dr. Leaper in 2016 and spent two years working as the mobile veterinary hospital technician and manager. I made the difficult choice to move back to Alaska in 2018 to work a rotation in emergency and internal medicine before returning to KVC January 2020 as Director of Hospital Operations. Now I put my years of medical experience to use supporting our amazing team and the important work they do here at Kihei Vet Clinic.
Jacy Perkins, Hospital Operations Coordinator and Veterinary Assistant
Aloha, I’m Jacy! I am originally from Colorado but was raised in Nevada. I come from a long line of animal caretakers (primarily equine and bovine) and large/small animal veterinarians — so I inherited my love for animals and always knew I wanted to work with them forever. I moved to Maui Spring of 2020 with my fiancé and our kitty Momo; I was fortunate to discover the KVC Ohana and have been here ever since. I started working in Veterinary Medicine when I was 19 years old and eventually pursued an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. I have experience in emergency medicine, exotic pets, farm animals, and of course cats and dogs. In 2022, I accepted the position of Hospital Operation Coordinator to support the amazing KVC team and all of our patients. When I am not in the clinic I am usually knitting, drawing, playing video games with the accompaniment of my other kitty Griffin. I also enjoy hiking, surfing, all beach things, and trying new foods!
Safron McElwain, CVT Veterinary Technician
Aloha! My name is Safron. I moved to Maui 7 years ago to escape the cold winters of the Rocky Mountains, where I grew up. After relocating to Santa Barbara, CA in 2005, I got my first job as a Veterinary Assistant and realized I had found my calling. I worked for 4 years as an assistant and desperately wanted to learn more. After relocating back to Colorado, I attended Colorado Mountain College and earned my A.A.S degree in Veterinary Technology. I have been pursuing my passion for helping animals ever since. I have been with Kihei Veterinary Clinic since 2016. I have tremendous love and dedication to the animals of our island and the KVC family. I feel so fortunate to be working, living, exploring, hiking, paddle boarding, camping, kayaking and snorkeling on these beautiful islands.
Kim Stabnau, Veterinary Technician
Andre’a Torres, Veterinary Technician Assistant
Aloha, I was born and raised on Oahu but started my career as a veterinary assistant 20 years ago in Las Vegas. I have been with KVC for 6 years now working as a veterinary technician assistant to help the pets of Maui. I have years of experience owning birds and fish and love to bring that skill set and knowledge to pet parents. My husband and I have 3 dogs (Sasha, Josie and Papi) 2 cockatoos (Harley and Fiona) and many fish. In her spare time Andre’a is starting an aquaculture business called Maui’s Freshwater Gems, helps operate Torres Security, and loves fishing with her husband.
Victoria Caballero, Veterinary Technician Assistant
Victoria was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Animals and nature always sparked joy and passion in Victoria, but after finishing high-school, with the pressure of making a fast career choice, ended up working in Advertising and Public Translations. Seven years later, Victoria quit her comfort job and did an introductory course for Veterinary Nursing. A couple months later, She came to Maui for what was going to be a short vacation, but ended up moving here and coming across a job opening at KVC. Victoria is so excited to be working and learning so much in the field that she always dreamed of!
Cierah Kusunoki, Veterinary Technician Assistant
Shalice Smirke, Receptionist
I was born in Southern California, but moved to Maui when I was just 5 years old. I was raised on Maui and have been here for over 25 years! I’ve always had a huge passion for animals and working at a Vet clinic was always a dream. I had the opportunity to work with Dr.Kehler for 3 years before his passing. My partner and I have been together for the last 9 years. We have three young boys together, ages 7, 2 and 1. We rescued the infamous Kiko from KVC and he continues to be a part of our Ohana. Aside from my time at KVC, I also help manage and operate Ka Oi Pool Maintenance. In my spare time I love going to the beach and spending time with my family.
Brian Chladek, Receptionist
My name is Brian and I was born and raised in Illinois. I moved to Hawaii in 2016 and I have always had a bond with animals! We have had no less than 4 dogs in my family at a time from the age of 6. I have always admired the veterinary field. I grew up watching my sister work as a veterinary technician and saw how much she loved the veterinary world. I came across a job opening at KVC and have been with the team ever since! When I am not assisting the community of pet lovers, I enjoy gaming and reading. I’m also on the never ending journey of working to improve my health both in body and mind, I also coaching gymnastics and tumbling to those interested in learning.